South Dakota is not necessarily a normal stop for the Michigan State recruiting staff, but when a 6-foot-9, 319-pound offensive tackle prospect is out there, things change. The MSU staff is very interested in Derek Farniok of Washington High School in Sioux Falls and hope to have him on campus this summer. SpartanMag.com caught up with the massive prospect and got the latest on his recruitment.

Farniok is getting plenty of recruiting interest this spring and already has multiple scholarships on the table. We asked him about the Big Ten teams that are showing him a high-level of interest and the ones that have extended a scholarship to him.

It is no surprise that the Spartans like Farniok. Coach Dantonio and Coach Roushar like linemen that are very big and athletic. The past few years the Spartans have signed towering prospects like David Barrent, Henry Conway and Skyler Schofner, Farniok is a player in a similar mold.

In addition to the Big Ten teams, several Big 12 teams are also involved in his recruitment, such as Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, Oklahoma and Texas Tech. The Jayhawks have already extended him a scholarship.

SpartanMag.com asked Farniok what type of interest he is receiving from Michigan State.

"Coach Salem and Coach Roushar from Michigan State have come by school. Coach Salem used to Coach at the local D2 School and my high school team goes to their camp. The Michigan State coaches have talked about how they like my size and how well I move. They also think I would fit into their run offense well. They want me to come out there to see their campus. "

Earlier this winter Farniok traveled to New Jersey to participate on the Badger Sports Elite Linemen Challenge. He was vote done of the top performers at that event and Rivals analyst Mike Farrell had the following to say:

Speaking of size, Farniok has plenty of that to go around. At a legit 6-foot-8 and likely closer to 320 pounds than his listed 305, Farniok is simply massive with little bad body weight. He's a project for sure because he needs to work on his footwork and lateral movement, but you can't teach that wingspan. He also doesn't get off balance nearly as much as you'd expect. Farniok adjusted well to the speed of things after the first session of one-on-ones, and he began to use his arms well down the stretch.

Playing in South Dakota, Farniok doesn't always get an opportunity to match his skills with other top prospects. The fact that he was able to adjust to the speed of the game so quickly is an impressive statement about his ability.

SpartanMag.com asked Farniok what type of summer plans he has and what is he looking for in his potential college?

"I am planning on going to some camps this summer and I might visit some other schools as well, he stated. The academics and the stability of the coaching staff are important to me."

Farniok informed SpartanMag.com that he was an All-State selection last year. He also stated that though his high school team is young, he is looking forward to a successful senior season. With Farniok anchoring the line, Washington High School has an impressive building block to work with.

SpartanMag.com will be sure to follow-up with Farniok in the coming weeks. When he does get out to East Lansing we will be sure to report on his thought about Michigan State University. The fact that new Coach Brad Salem has the Coach Roushar traveling to South Dakota is a strong indication that Farniok could receive an offer from the Spartans when he makes it on campus.